Which roof style features a shallow slope over a steep slope, and is typically seen in barns?

The correct answer is the gambrel roof style. This design is characterized by two slopes on each side, where the upper slope is relatively shallow and the lower slope is much steeper. This unique configuration allows for increased vertical space and a more spacious loft area, which is particularly advantageous in barn construction. The gambrel roof is often associated with traditional barn architecture because it provides maximum headroom and usable space in the upper level while allowing the structure to maintain a relatively low profile.

Other roof styles do not exhibit this specific combination of slopes. A hip roof, for example, features slopes that are all at the same angle meeting at the top, while a flat roof is nearly level with very little pitch and does not provide the same spatial benefits. The butterfly roof has a modern aesthetic with two slopes that form a valley in the middle, which differs significantly from the predominantly barn-associated gambrel style.